Posters have sprung up around the site of the three-day event telling users they will not face charges if they throw their fixes into specially-supplied amnesty bins which will be spread around the entrances to the Stoke Park venue in Guildford. The move will gain mixed reactions from drug groups, but is seen as one way to stem the level of drugs that may find their way into this year’s festival.

Many alleged dealers from last year’s event are still being tried by the courts, such was the level of arrests – mainly for supplying the potentially lethal party drug ecstacy.

Other extra measures include a reinforced fence, rigged around the site perimeter to ensure gatecrashers do not take the profits from festival organisers and spoil the fun for the thousands who are expected to turn out. Police have agreed to deploy extra officers to patrol the site following a number of arrests last year, and CCTV cameras were this week being installed to ensure evidence of any wrongdoing is available.

There will also be tightened security on the camp site, where reports of trouble marred an otherwise successful festival last year. Organiser Tony Scott says he is determined to keep the event’s standing as one of the UK’s safest music parties in a bid to keep families at the top of the target audience.

Guilfest is one of a handful of similar events which regularly attracts young children.

He said: “This year we have installed a double fence to deter any one from attempting to jump over it. Gatecrashers have never really been a problem before, but we are making sure that they are not a problem this year with a crack security team in place. “We are doing the utmost to make this festival safe and a success, and somewhere you really want to take your family.” He added: “The festival is often regarded as one of the best in the country because there is so much going on and because it is safe.

There is an intimate atmosphere here that you don’t get at huge festivals like Glastonbury.” However, after problems last year with weather, foot and mouth precautions and last-minute line-up changes, Mr Scott was wary of predicting financial success.

“There are always fears that things won’t go well but this year looks like being the most successful ever – so get your tickets quick,” he said.

Revellers can expect a line-up of household names including Jools Holland, The Fun Lovin’ Criminals and The Pretenders. The comedy tent was so successful last year that organisers have decided to extend it, and a buskers’ tent.

Guilfest 2002 starts today (Friday), and will continue throughout the weekend.